Uproar in Lok Sabha over schools being told to remain open on Christmas day

New Delhi: Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed uproar over the reported move to keep schools open on Christmas with several opposition parties accusing government of "misleading" the House and implementing Sangh Parivar agenda, evoking a sharp attack on the Gandhi family from treasury benches.

Congress, TMC, Left and NCP walked out of the House, expressing dissatisfaction over government's reply that Christmas holiday will not be disturbed as it observes 'Good Governance Day' to mark the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is also on December 25.

The issue, which has been causing uproar in Parliament since Monday, was raised by K C Venugopal (Congress) who read out official "circulars" asking schools and universities to observe the day by organising several activities.

The circulars, he said, also sought photographs and video-recordings of these events as a proof of their compliance. "How can you send photographs and videos without holding events in schools," he asked, countering government's claim that these were online activities.

Government's reply is "incorrect" and "misleading", he said as several opposition raised slogans.

In his reply, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu instead charged opposition with "misleading" the nation and said it's a very sensitive issue.

As Naidu insisted that Christmas holiday will not be disturbed and quoted a circular to this effect, some opposition members accused the government of implementing Sangh Parivar agenda.